Transcript Physical Features of the United States
Physical Features of the United States Geography Mr. Napier
Standards • A. Describe the location of major physical features and their impact on Canada and the U.S.
• B. Describe the major climates of Canada and the U.S. and how they affect those nations.
• C. Explain the reasons for population distribution in U.S. and Canada.
• D. Explain how the physical geography of Canada and the U.S. contributed to regional growth and development.
• E. Describe the ethnic and religious groups in Canada and U.S.; include major customs and traditions.
• F. Analyze how transportation and communications improvements led to the growth of industry in the U.S. and the consequences of such growth, especially environmentally, for both Canada and the U.S.
What Information can you gather from a map?
Performance Task #1 • You have been hired by the Chamber of Commerce of a city in Canada.
• You have one week to prepare a tri-fold brochure to encourage business and tourism to the city.
• You have six panels to promote your city. One panel is the cover. Other five panels should include interesting sites, major businesses and products, colleges/education, government, and transportation infrastructure.
Cities for Performance Task • Quebec • Toronto • Ottawa • Halifax • Winnipeg • Calgary • Vancouver • Yellowknife • Victoria • Edmonton • Iqaluit • Thunder Bay • Hamilton • St. John’s • Whitehorse • Montreal • Regina • Hull
Collaborative Pairs Work with your collaborative partner.
Make a list of 10 important facts you already know about the geography of the U.S.
Essential Question The United States has the highest gross national product (GNP) in the world.
GNP is the sum of all economic activity in a country. What nation is #2?
What does being #1 mean about the role the United States plays in the world economy?
Where are some important physical features in the United States?
• Physical features are natural landforms and bodies of water on Earth’s surface.
• Important land physical features in the United States include: – The Atlantic Coastal Plain – The Great Plains – The Continental Divide – The Great Basin – Death Valley
The Atlantic Coastal Plain • Lowland area borders the Atlantic Ocean in the Eastern part of the United States.
• Has many excellent harbors .
• Many people live in this region .
The Great Plains
The Great Plains
The Great Plains • The Interior plains are a flat middle of the United States.
area in the • The Great Plains are the western the interior plains. part of • The Great Plains are east of the Rocky Mountains.
• The Great Plains consists of grasslands with no trees .
The Continental Divide • High peeks of the rocky mountains America.
• On the form an imaginary line called the backbone of North eastern side of the Continental Divide, rivers flow toward the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico .
• On the Western side the Continental Divide, rivers flow toward the Pacific Ocean . of
The Great Basin
The Great Basin • This area is west of the Rocky Mountains and east of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.
• You will find isolated mountain ranges as well as Death Valley – the lowest point in North America!
Death Valley
The Lowest Point in North America!!
Where are some important physical features in the United States?
• Physical features are natural landforms and bodies of water on Earth’s surface.
• Important bodies of water in the United States include: – The Gulf of Mexico – The St. Lawrence River – The Great Lakes
The Gulf of Mexico • This body of water is between the eastern coast of Mexico and the Western coast of Florida.
• It has warmer water than the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Lawrence River
St. Lawrence River • This important river flows through northeastern Canada. • It is a major transportation route for large ships bringing goods into Canada and the United States.
The Great Lakes • These five lakes are located in the northern part of the United States between the U.S and Canada.
• They are the largest freshwater lakes in the world .
Economic Systems Review • Capitalism – free enterprise – Supply and demand determines prices – Consumers are in control – “Laissez faire” – AKA “Market” • Command – Communism – government controls and makes central decisions – Socialism – Government makes major decisions
Mixed Economies
Almost every economic system in the world is a mixed economy with some capitalism and some command or government control.
Mixed Economies around the world
Essential Question?
• Which economic system is the best?
• What is the ideal economic system?
• Should the government be involved in the economy?
Political Systems Review • Democracy – people make all decisions – Town Meetings – Ancient Greece • Republic – People elect representatives – United States – Canada
Federalism is a compromise!
• But, what is Federalism?
• Unitary – Central government • Confederation – Local governments Federalism is a compromise in the Constitution which divides powers between the national and the state governments.
Political Vocabulary 1. Sovereignty – who owns a nation 2. Totalitarianism – total gov’t control 3. Dictatorship – one person in control 4. Monarchy – inherited power – king/queen 5. Tyranny – Takes over government 6. Empire – One nation/ruler controls other nations 7. Constitution – set of rules for the government
Homework – Chapter 3 section 2
• Read Chapter 3, Section 2 Page 100-105.
• Questions 1, 3, 4.
• Due on 1/21/14
Important man-made features in New England • There are many things in the United States that have been created by man.
• These man-made features include: – Cities – Structures like a canal or a dam.
• Some major man-made features in the United States include: – New York City – Boston – Philadelphia – Erie Canal
New York City
New York City • The most populated city in the United States. 8.33 million people! 468 sq/m • Located in New York State.
• It is the world center of finance and business.
• It is located on a large harbor that helped it to grow as a trade center.
Boston
Boston
• This city is the capital of Massachusetts.
• It is located on a harbor at the mouth of the Charles River.
• It is the largest city in the New England region.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia • This is the largest city in Pennsylvania.
• It is known as the “birthplace of a the nation.” • Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written there.
• The city of “Brotherly Love”.
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal • This man-made waterway links lake Erie with the Hudson River in New York.
• It was completed in 1825.
• It allows goods to be transported easily along the Great Lakes and then further west.
• It helped make New York City a major trade center.
Man Made Features True or False?
• New York City is the largest city in the United States.
• New York City is not located on a harbor.
• Boston is the capital of Massachusetts.
• The largest city in the New England region is Providence, Rhode Island.
• Philadelphia is the capital of Pennsylvania.
• The Declaration of Independence was written in Philadelphia.
Climate of United States and Canada
Temperatures in North America
Precipitation in North America
Questions • What area of North America receives the most rainfall?
• How much rain does Atlanta receive each year?
• Where does rain come from???
• How do mountains impact the amount of rain an area receives?
• What happens when rain and cold meet?
Review
United States vs. Canada • Let’s compare the U.S. with Canada.
– How are the nations similar?
– How are the nations different?
• Work with your collaborative partner and list three answer to each question.
Comparing U.S. and Canada
United States
• 315,000,000 people • President • 81% white, 13% black • Largest GNP • Congress • Baseball/Football • 3,794,000 square miles • U.N. and NAFTA
Canada
• 35,000,000 people • Prime Minister • 83% white, 10% Asian • #13 in GDP • Parliament • Hockey • 3,855,000 square miles • U.N., NAFTA and British Commonwealth